Well packer and apparatus for producing wells



Sept. 4, 1945. H. c. oTls ErAL WELL PACKER AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WELLS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 26, 1940 sept. 4, 1945. H. ons. Er AL v2,384,192

WELL PACKER AND APPARTUS'FR PRODUCING WELLS Filed Aug,v 2e, 1940 5 she'ets-sneet 2 7 Y c/o/m C. Qc-cousl Sept. 4, 1945. H. c. oTls ET A1.

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WELL PACKER AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WELLS Filed Aug. 25, 1940 5 sheets-sheet 4 28 5/ .al B Z7 29 H. c. OTls ErAL WELL PACKER AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WELLS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 26, 1940 Herbe/'f C.' Off: doh/7 C Lactous IIIA .IIIllllflllllllllllllllll llillfllllllllfllll lill illllln Illllll. .I III il. lllnlfllrlaaal ,lllnlllll/ filtri! lill!!! .flllalll lfllldllllllla llldlllllll. in!!! fli4l.

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Patented Sept. 4, 1945 WELL PACKER AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WELLS Herbert C. Otis and John C. Luccous, Dallas, Tex.; said Luccous assignor to said Otis Application August 26, 1940,*Serial No. 354,172

(Cl. 16S-2) 14 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in well packers and apparatus for producing wells.

One object oi' the invention is to provide an improved packer assembly which is particularly adapted for use in wells which have been killed or loaded by a mud, or other uid column. said assembly having means for permitting a free circulation in either directionpast the assembly, whereby the loading uid column may be readily pumped from the well bore to unload the well.

An important object ofthe invention is to provide an improved packer assembly which may be lowered into the well bore on the production string or well tubing and which has by-pass means arranged so that there may be a free circulation of well fluid, either prior or subsequent to the setting or locking of the assembly within'the well bore; the setting of the assembly before circulation is begun being particularly advantageous in that the danger of upward displacement of the assembly and production string by the well pressure after unloading of the well, is eliminated.

A particular object of the invention is`-to provide an improved packer assembly which is, adapted to berun into the well on the well tubing and which is arranged to be set independently of the tubing, whereby the weight oi' said tubing is not depended upon to'maintain the assembly in its sealing or packing position and also whereby the tubing is capable of longitudinal movement after the packer is set to facilitate landing oi' the tubing within the tubing head or support at the surface of the well; the arrangement also preventing corkscrewing or bending of the tubing and permitting bottom hole tools to be freely run through said tubing since the weight of 4the tubing string is not carried by the packer but rather is suspended from its support at the surface.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved packer assembly wherein the by-pass in said assembly may be opened or closed by a longitudinal movement oi' the tubing'relative to the assembly, whereby closure of the by-pass is not effected by imposing the weight of the tubing on the packer assembly, as has been the practice in devices of this type.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved packer assembly, of the character described, which is supported within the well bore by means entirely independent of the ,veli tubing, whereby the assembly is positively locked against upward displacement by well presmoved from and returned to the bore without disturbing said assembly; the packing assembly having means whereby it may be removed from the bore under pressure on a flexible line at any time after the withdrawal of the tubing string.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a device, of the character described, wherein a valve means is adapted to close the bore of the packer assembly, said valve being held open by the well tubing when lsaid tubing extends therethrough and being automatically closed when the tubing is lifted thereabove, whereby the well tubing may be removed from, and returned to, thewell bore under "dead well conditions an'd without .the necessity of loading the well with mud, or other fluid. f

A particular object of the invention is to provide a device, of the character described, wherein improved pressure seal packing elements are employed; said elements being constructed and mounted so as to prevent hanging up or turning inside'out during the lowering operation and also to eliminate said elements adhering or sticking to the pipe wall after having been maintained in a set or sealing position for a period of time.

Another object oi' the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for producing a well hav- .ing a iiuid column therein which includes@ packer assembly run into .the well on a protluction string, locating the packer at the point at which it is to be set, then circulating the fluid upwardly past the packer assembly to unload the well. setting the packer either before or after the circulation step, then closing the by-pass, and then producing the well` fluids through the production string.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention. A

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in

which an example of the invention is shown, and

wherein:

Figure l is a view, partly` inv elevation and partly in section, of the upper portion of a device, constructed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a continuation of the partsA shown in Figure 1 and illustrating the intermediate portionlof the device, Figure 3 is a continuation of the parts shown K in Figure 2 and illustrating the lower portion of the device,

views, taken on the lines 9 9 and |0 |0, respecl tively, of Figure 3,

Figure 11 is a schematic view of the complete assembly and showing the parts in the position during the circulationY past the packer to accomplish unloading of the well,

Figure 12 is a. similar view, illustrating the tubing disconnected from the packer assembly and showing the by-pass openings closed,

Figure 13 is a View similar to Figures 11 and 12, showing the next step with the tubing being lifted from the end of the packer assembly,

Figure 14 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, showing a slightly modified construction,

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure l, illustrating the upper portion of a moded form of the apparatus,

Figure 16Y is a continuation of Figure 15, illustrating the intermediate portion of the device,

Figure 17 is a continuation of Figure 16, showing the lower portion of this form,

Figure 18 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line |8 |8 of Figure 16,

Figure 19 is a partial isometric view of the coupling nipple at the lower end of the packer assembly,

Figure 20 is an isometric view of the coupling collar which coacts with thecollar shown in Figure 19,

Figure 21 is a schematic view of the entire assemlbly of the modified forml illustrated in Figures 15 to 20' and showing the parts in the position during circulation of the uid which unloads the well, and A Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 21 and illustrating the by-pass through the packer assembly closed.

In the drawings, the letter A designates a packer assembly which includes an elongate tubular mandrel I which has an axial bore rextending entirely therethrough. The upper portion of the outer surface of the mandrel is substantially cylindrical and aslip supporting carrier r flared or inclined outwardly to form a slip expanding portion 20. Each gripping element I6 includes an arcuate slip 2| at its lower end and the inner surface of each slip engages and rides upon the inclined surface 20 of the mandrel. The outer surface of each slip is formed With gripping teeth 22 which are adapted to engage the inner Wall of a well casing or pipe C to prevent upward displacement or movement of the assembly, as will lbe explained. When the slips 2|v are at the upper end of the inclined portion 20 (Figure l), they are retracted and out of engagement with the casing wall; however, movement of the manl drel upwardly with relation to the slips causes the outward radial movement thereof to the position shown in Figures 11 to 13, whereby said slips engage the casing wall. In such position, the mandrel cannot be displaced upwardly within the casing.

The slip carrier I2 is connected to the mandrel I0 by means of an L-shaped slot 23, which is formed in the carrier, and by means of a radially extending pin or lug 24'which is secured to the mandrel and which projects into the slot. As is clearly shown in Figure 1, when `the pin 24 is within the lateral or horizontal leg of the slot 23, the slip carrier I2 is in its uppermost position on the mandrel, in which position the slips 2| are retracted. When the mandrel is rotated with relation to the carrier, the pin 24 may be alined with the vertical portion or leg of the slot 23 and when Y the pin is within this portion of said slot, an upward movement of the mandrel with relation to the carrier is possible. In order` to frictionally retain the slip carrier I2 and the gripping element I6 against movement within the well casing C, the carrier is provided with a plurality of friction springs 25. As is clearly shown inFigure 1, each spring is secured to the enlarged collar I4 at the sleeve has'an enlarged collar I4 formed integral therewith and this collar has a plurality of radial T-shaped slots I5 therein, which slots are spaced equidistance therearound, and the upper ends of gripping elements I6, which upper ends are also T-shaped, are inserted within said slots. A retaining ring I1 which fits Within an annular groove I8 formedin the periphery of the carrier or sleeve I2, surrounds the sleeve and prevents outward displacement of the gripping elements.)

from the slots. Manifestly, the gripping elements are suspended from the sleeve or carrier I2 and are movable longitudinally and radially with relation to the mandrel I0. Upward displacement of the slip rrier from the mandrel I0 is prevented |by means of a retaining collar I8 which is screwed onto external threads I9 which are provided at the extreme upper end of the mandrel III. f

The intermediate portion of the mandrel I0 is lower end of the slip carrier and is bowed or curved outwardly so as to frictionally engage the bore of the well casing.

Immediately below the flared or slip expanding portion 20 of the mandrel I0 there is provided an enlarged collar 26 and a reduced shank 21, the latter being formed integral with the collar and depending therefrom; A plurality of inverted, flexible packing cups or elements 28 are mounted in superposed relation on the shank 21 and the outer diameter of each cup is preferably less than the bore of the casing. As is clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, the uppermost cup 28 abuts the underside of the collar 26 and has its outer peripheral portions spaced from the wall of the casing. A spacer sleeve 29 surrounds the shank 21 and spaces the uppermost cup 28 from the cup immediately therebelow. The spacer sleeve 29 is formed with an annular flange 30 at its lower end and a retaining ring 3| which surrounds the sleeve 29 rests upon this flange. 'Ihe bore or inner surface 0f the ring l3| is spaced from the exterior surfac of the sleeve 29 by a plurality of lugs 32 which are formed integral with the sleeve and which are clearly shown in Figure 6. The spacing of the ring 3| from the sleeve 29 provides a fluid passage 33 which has its upper end communicating with the interior of the uppermost packing cup 28. The ring 3| has a plurality of radial openings 34 in its lower portion which establish communication with the fluid passage 33 and, obviously,v fluid pressure within the bore of the casing may pass through the openings 34, fluid passages 33 and into the interior of the cup 28 to expand the same into vsealing engagement with the wall of the well casing. The lower end of the packing cup 28 is bevelled inwardly as shown at 35 and this bevelled end engages a bevel which is formed on the upper end of the retaining ring 3|. Manifestly, the ring 3| serves to maintain the lower end of the cup inwardly toward the mandrel and prevents said cup from turning inside out as the device is'lowered through the casing. Also, in the event the cup is expanded during movement through the casing, the particular mounting ofthe cup assures that said cup will pass the couplings and other irregularities in the bore of the casing.

Any desired number of packing cups 28 may be employed and, between each cup, the spacerv 28 and the retaining ring 3| are located. Only two cups have been shown in -the drawings but any desired number may be employed. The lowermost spacer 29 of the cup assembly is engaged by a retaining nut 36 which is threaded onto the external surface of the lower end of the mandrel I8. Obviously, when the nut 36 is tightened, the packing cup assembly is confined between said nut and the enlarged collar 26 which is formed on the mandrel I8.

A tubular housing 31 has its upper end threaded onto the lower end'of the mandrel I8 immediately below the retaining nut 36 and this housing forms a continuation of the mandrel I8. An internal, annular flange 38 is formed within the upper end of the bore of the housing 31 and a plurality of packing cups |28 which` are similar in construction to the packing cups 28 are mounted within the bore of said housing below this ange. 'Ihe cups |28 are spaced from each other by spacers |28 and are engaged by retaining rings |38, which spacers and rings are similar in construction to the rings 28 and 38 of the outside cupassembly. The cups |28 are retained in position within the bore of the housing 31 by means of a retaining nut 38 which is threaded into said bore. It is pointed out that the cups |28 are,` of course, reversed with respect to the cups 28 since they are mounted within the bore of the housing, rather than on the exterior surface thereof. The cups |28 are adapted to seal off the space between the bore of the mandrel I8 and a pipe or conductor which may extend therethrough, as will be explained.

A spacing sleeve 48 which may be of any desired length and which may be formed of asection of pipe, has its upper end screwed into `the lower end of the bore of the housing 31. The lower end of the spacing sleeve 48 is provided with external screw threads whereby a valve housing 4| may be threaded thereon. The valve housing 4| is substantially tubular and has the lower end of its bore reduced as shown at 42. The extreme lower end of this reduced portion 'of the bore is bevelled or 'inclined outwardly to provide an annular valve seat 43. The seat 43 is adapted to be engaged by a flap valve or disk 44 which is loosely plvoted upon a pin 45. The pin extends transversely between depending ears 46 which are formed on the lower end of the valve housing 4I,. The valve disk is formed with an annular seating surface 41, which is inclined or bevelled complementary to the inclination of the seat 43 and this seating surface may be provided with an elastic packing ring 48 to insure a proper seal between the valve and seat. The flap valve or disk'is constantly urged toward its closed position and into engagement withthe seat 43 by a spring 48. This spring has one end confined within a recess 58 formed in the external surface of the valve body 4| and said spring passes around the pivot pin 48 with its other end engaging the outer surface of the valve. Manifestly, the flap valve is normally urged toward its seated position closing the bore of the valve housing 4|.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the bore of the valve housing is ln direct communication with the bore of the mandrel I8 through the tubular vhousing 31 and the spacing sleeve 48. Therefore, when the flap valve 44 is in its closed position, a flow upwardly through the bore of the mandrel I8 is prevented. Similarly, when the iiap valve 44 is opened, a flow through the bore of the mandrel is permitted.

The upper end of the bore II of the mandrel I8 is provided with left-hand screw threads 5| and a connecting sub or coupling element 52 is adapted to be attached to the mandrel by means of these threads. As is clearly shown in Figure 1, the lower portion of the sub immediately above its external screw threads is shouldered so as to overhang the retaining nut I8 on the upper end of the mandrel. The bore 53 of the sub 52 iS reduced at its upper' end and this reduced portion is formed with screw threads, whereby the well tubing T may be connected to the upper end oi.' the sub; A plurality of radially extending, in-

clined passages 54 are provided in the sub 52 and establish communication between the bore 53 of said sub and the interior of the well casing C. It is noted that a `I -jslot and pin connection may be substituted for the left-hand threads 5|.

An inner conductor or pipe 55 has its upper end threadedinto the upper end of the sub 52 and this conductor forms a continuationr of the well tubing T; in fact, the conductor 55 may be formed by a section of the well tubing. This conductor extends downwardly through the mandrel I8, through the tubular housing 31, spacer ysleeve 48 and valve housing 4| and has its lower endlterminating at some distance below the flap valve 44 at the lower end of the valve housing. An outer conductor 58, which is concentric to the inner conductor 55 and'which is spacedtherefrom, has its upper end screw-threaded into the lower end of the bore 53 of the sub 52. The outer conductor 56 is co-extensive to the inner conductor and passes through the mandrel I8, housing 31, sleeve 48 and valve housing 4I, with its lower endterminating at substantially the same plane as the inner conductor 55. Since the outer conductor 56 is spaced from the inner conductor 55, it will be obvious that an annular now passage 51 is formed between the conductors and this flow passage has its upper end communicating with the inclined passages 54 which are formed in the sub 52. The lower portion of the outer conductor 56 is provided with a plurality of inlet ports 58 which extend through the wall of lsaicl conductor and which establish communication between the annular passage 51 and the boreof the well casing C. The ports 58, passage 51, and inclined passages 54 provide a by-pass, whereby iluid may ow from the space above the packing assembly to the space therebelow and vice versa.

The outer conductor 56 has an external diameter' which is substantially the Asaine as the internal diameter of the inner packing cups |28 vwhich ae mounted within the tubular housing 31 (Figure 2). Whenever uid pressure is applied below the "cups |28, said cups are expanded inwardly into tight sealing engagement with the exterior surface of the outer conductor 58 and. therefore, the cups |28 will serve to pack ofrthe space between thek conductor 56 and the bore I| of the mandrel I8.

' The lower ends of the inner and outer conductors 55 and 56 are connectedto an ,upstanding nipple 53 whichfis formed integral with the upper end of a tubular sub or connecting element 60. An annular valve seat 6| is formed within the sub 60 and is adapted to be engaged bya. valve plunger, or other closing means, 62 which is slidable within the bore of `said sub. The valve plunger is formed with an extension 63 at its upper end and this extension has a suitable retrieving connection 64, whereby a suitable tool may be engaged therewith. The plunger 62 may also -be provided with suitable packing elements 6l' which are mounted thereon in anyV desired manner.

A pair of concentric conductors 55 and |56 have their upper ends connected to the lower ends o! the sub 60 and may extend downwardly in the casing any desired distance. Both of these conductors are provided with perforations or openings 55. whereby a communication between the bore of the sub 60 and the bore of the Well casing C is established. The inner conductor |55 is illustrated as closed at its lower end and may be provided with a transversely extending pin 66 which acts to support the valve plunger 52 when the same is dropped to its lowermost position, as

will be explained, The lower end of the outer f conductor. |56 is open. It is pointed out that the perforations or openings 55 are disposed some distance above the transversely extending pin 65, whereby when the Valve plunger 52 is in its low,- ermost position, said plunger is outof the line of flow entering the conductors |56 and |55, whereby the incoming well uids will not liit the plunger to a seatedk position. It is noted that the inner conductor |55 may, if desired, be.eliminated, in which ca se vthe transverse pin 66 would extend acrossthe outer conductor |56. v

In the operation of the apparatusl and in practicing the methods to place the well in produc` tion, the parts are assembled in the position shown in Figures l to 3 and 11. In such position, the well tubing T is connected to the upper end of the mandrel I0 of the packer assembly by means of tneleft-hand threads 5|, whereby the inner and outer conductors, 55 and 56 extend downwardly through the packer assembly and hold the flap valve or disk 44 in an open position. Also, the slip carrier I2 is coupled to the mandrel I0 through the pin 24 and slot 23, said pin-being in the lateral or horizontal portion'of said slot, whereby the carrier-is held against movement'at the uppervend of the mandrel. In this position, the slipsk 2| are held in a retracted position. As the well tubing is loweredthrough thefwell casing C, lthe packer assembly carried by said tubing is lowered therewith. At this time, the exterior packing cups '28 are, of course, in a retracted position since any pressure within the well casing is equalized. across the device.'

The assembly is particularly adapted to be lowered through a well casing which is loaded or which has a column of mud or other'uid therein,

but may be used equally well in wells which are not so loaded. When the desired depth at which the packer assembly is to be set has been reached,

the tubing 'I' is rotated so as to move the pin` 24 on the mandrel into alinement with the ver- -ticalportion of the slot 23 in the slip carrier l2.`

The tubing and mandrel are then raised upwardly with relation to the slip carrier, such up- Ward movement being permitted because the pin 25 moves upwardly through the vertical portion of the slot 23. During such upward movement of the mandrel, the slipcarrier, together with the slips mounted thereon are held substantially stationary by the friction springs 25 which engage the wall of the well casing.

Asthe mandrel I0 is moved upwardly with relation to the slips 2|, the iiared or slip expanding portion 20 of said mandrel is moved `upwardly between the slips 2| and acts to move said slips radially outwardlyI into engagement with the Wall of the well casing C. Upon such engagement, the slips serve to preventupward displacement of the packer assembly within the well casing.

It is noted that during the lowering of the assembly .through the well' casing, the valve plunger or closing tool 62 which is mounted within the sub 60'is engaging its seat 6|, being held so by the pressure exerted against the bottom of said plunger, as the tubing moves downwardly in the casing. Therefore, while the apparatus is being lowered through the well casing, the bore ofthe conductor 55 and tubing T is closed. After the packer hasl been set asv described, a pressure iluid is pumped downwardly through the'tubing land such iluid passes fdownwardly through the A -innerconductor 55, acting to force the valve After the valve plunger 62 has been movedA downwardly onto the transverse supporting pin 56, as shown in Figure 11, them'ud or other iluid which is within the well vcasing may be unloaded from said casing either by continuing to pump downwardly through the well tubing Tand into the casing or by reversing the circulation at the surface through the usual reverse circulation apparatus (not shown) and pumping downwardly through the casing. If the pumping is continued so as to force'the pressure fluid downwardly Ithrough the well tubing T, such uid flows outwardly through the ports 65 in the conductors |55 and |56 and then upwardly through the well casing. The pressure applied through the tubing in this manner will force the uid within the well casing upwardly through theby-pass ports 58, annular passage 51 and inclined passages 54 in the sub, whereby said iluidl is lifted upwardly through the casing and said casing is thereby unloaded. AIf the pressure fluid is pumped downwardly through the casing C, the huid within said casing'is forced downwardly through the by-pass in vthe packer assembly and is then` forced through the ports 65 andupwarclly through the tubing. So far as the present `invention is concerned, the circulation may be in ei-ther direction through the packer assembly and in either case, the well casing may be successfully unloaded.

As above described, ythe gripping slips 2| have been set prior to the circulation which effects the unloading of the casing C, but it is pointed out that in some instances, said slips need not be set until after the circulating operation is complete andthe Well casing is clean. Of course,

it is apparent that as a safety measure, it is more within the well casing has been circulated out oi said casing, whereby natural now of the well is permitted, tl `connecting (su 52 Vwhich is normally connected to the upper e d of the mandrel is disconnected from said mandr l by rotatingv the tubing and the sub to the right; Dueto the left- 'hand threads 5|, such rotation to the right will cause the sub 52 to be unscrewed from the mandre1,.whereby after such disconnection, the tubing, sub 52 and conductors 55 and 55 may be'raised with relation to the mandrel which is locked within the casing by the slips, .as explained. It is pointed out that, i! desired, thgJeft-hand threads may be disconnected prior'to j131e fcirculation, the tubing string being supported in substantially the same position relative to the packer as shown in Figure'll. The disconnection prior to circulation obviates the necessity ofdisconnecting under high pressure in the event such pressure 'exists in the well bore. After the sub is disconnected, the

tubing is raised upwardly until the by-pass ports l58 at the lower end of the outer conductor 55 are disposed above the inner packing cups |25, as is clearly shown in Figure 12. As soon as the by-pass openings 58 move above the cups |25, the communication between the annular by-pass 51 and the interior of the casing is shuto.v After this is done, the iiow of iluid from the well casingV below the packer assembly cannot pass upwardly into the casing above said packer. 'I'he well fluids which enter the lower end of the casing from the producing formation will exert their pressure upwardly against the assembly and will'- tend to urge the mandrel upwardly relative to the slips 22, whereby this pressure will aid in holding the assembly in its setV or locked position. Also, this pressure iluid will pass upwardly and will enter the space behind the packing cups V| and also the packing cups 28, whereby said cups are moved into and held in a positive sealing position.) It might be desirable to circulate iiuid downwardly through the tubing immediately after the parts have been moved to the position shown in Figure 12 and, in such instance, the pressure fluid lpassing outwardly into the casing throughrthe ports 55 in the conductors |55 and |55 will pass upwardly and be exerted against the packing cups |28 and also against the'packing cups 2B.- In this case, the packing cupsv may be actually setor moved to their sealing position by a pump pressure from the surface. Likewise, the seal obtained by the cups may be checked by testing the pressure in the annular space betweenl the tubing and the .casing Abelow the packing assembly. After the parts have moved to the position shown in Figure 12 and the packing cups have been set ornoved to a sealing position, the surface connections are made up and the well may be opened-for ilow. Such flow will ofcourse enter the ports`55 inthe lower ends of the conductors |55 and |55 and will flow upwardly through the well tubing or production string T. YIt is'pointed out that sinceV the tubing may beraised or lowered through the packer, such movement facilitates the landing of the tubing in the tubing head or support at the surface, since no extremely accurate iit is required becausevthe weight of the tubing is not carried von the packer. It is also pointed out 'that the packer is independently supported or locked within the tubing and does not depend upon the weight of the tubing for holding said packer in its sealing position. Further, theV by-pass passage through the packer is closed without putting the weight of the tubing string on the packer, since a sliding valve arrangement is in effect provided.

It may, under some conditions, become `desirablethe valve plunger 62. so as to lift said plunger upwardly into engagement with theseat 5| and thereby close the bore of the well. Instead oi' `lifting the plunger 52, a suitable wire line plug may bezrun downwardly into the tubing and set therein so as to close the bore of said tubing. When the Vtubing is lifted upwardly, the lower end of the conductors and |55 will enter the bore of the valve housing 4| and as soon as this occurs, the spring 49 will immediately move the valve disk 44 vto a closed position into engagement with its seat 43, whereby the bore of the'mandrel I0 is closed. It is pointed out that the length of the spacing sleeve 40 is such that the inner packing cups |28 maintain a seal around the tubing string until such 4time as the valve disk u moves to a closed position and, in this way, the well pressure is held under control at all times and the well iluid cannot pass upwardlyl around the tubing string. After the iiap valve 44 has been closed, the well iiuid is trapped'below the packer assembly and thus the tubingmay be withdrawnfrom the -well under dead well conditions just as if the well lwere loaded with mud or other uid. -Thus, the packer assembly is utilized to automatically close the bore of the well'casing when the tubing is moved upwardly therethrough. Y Y

yThe tubing may be re-run into the well at any time and, upon its return, the lower rounded end of the conductor |56 will' engage the valve disk M and will` vmove the saine to its open position. Do'wnward movement of the tubing is continued until the parts again assume the position shown in Figure .11, at which-time ow of the wellfuid tothe surface may again occur. Therefore, it will be seen that the arrangement permits the removal Aand return of l thewell tubing under dead well Y conditions, since the well pressure is trapped below the packer until the napY valveor disk is open.

When the well tubing T is removed from the well, asabove described, the packer assembly re'- mains lockedwithin the well casing AC and acts as a plug to prevent upward flow. lIi' it isldesired to remove'the packer assembly, it is only necessary 'to lower a, suita'ble retrieving tool (not shown), which tool may be run downwardly through the casing on a flexible line..A 'I'he retrieving tool is utilized to'engage the undercut shoulder l|3at `the upper end of the slip carrier |2 and is also employed to jar downwardly on the mandrel I Il. Such jarring downwardly of the mandrelwill cause said mandrel to move downwardly with relation to the slips 22 and thereby permit the slips to move inwardly on the inclined portion of said mandrel. Alter the slips threads 5|. with the parts in @ne position shown `in Figure y1l, the by-pass 51 is open and a free.

circulation of fluid past the packer assembly is possible, whereby the well may be readily unloaded After the well is unloaded, the tubing is disconnected Vfrom the packer assembly and. is

moved upwardly a suicient distance to close the by-pass ports 58 lby moving Vsaid ports above the inner packing ycups |28, as shown in Figure .12.

In such position, normal production of well fluid upwardly through the well tubing or production string T mayfoccur. The parts remain in such position until it is desired toremove the tubing necessary to pull the same upwardly and such upward movement will permit an automaticclosing of the flap valve or disk 44 to shut the well in.

;'Ihe'packer.assembly doesnot dependl upon the .weightof the tubing lto hold it in itsset position andA obviously, when in'such position neither the packer. or tubing exert a vforceY upon each other, eachbeing independent of the .othen and when said tubing is to be removed, it is only It is pointed out thatas above described, the

circulation to unloa'd .the well is performed while .the parts are in the position shown inFigure 1l and prior to the disconnection of thetubing from the packer assembly.' If desired, before the beginyning-of-circulation, the tubing T may be dis- Y tubing is lifted Vthereabove. |After theparts are inwsuch` position, a pump pressure may beapplied to thetu-bing and fluidforced outwardly through the ports 55 and into the casing above the packer assembly, whereby the mud or other fiuidwithin the well casing will be lifted to the surface. .In this manner, unloading off that por- Vsub Y52 and is substantially identical inconstruction, being provided with anroverhanging shoulder 53a Vwhich overlies the upper end of theslip carrier'.Y The device is set in exactlythe'same manner as has been described with reference to the first form, that is. anV upward movement of the mandrel I0 is accomplished while rthe slip carrier is held stationary by the friction springs 25. VIn removingftheslip assembly from the well casing C, the 'sub 52a is first disconnected and the'tubingfis removed from the well. VA suitable retrieving tool and jars associated: therewith are,

then lowered into the well casing on a wire line and the tool is engaged with the undercut shoulder|3 on the slip carrier. A jarringidownwardly onthe mandrell releases the slips and an upward pull on the carrier by means of said tool (not shown) will remove lthe slip carrier and the slips from the well,Y independently of the mandrel |0, which mandrelvwill remain in the well casing. VvA fter thefslip carrier andits slipshave been removed, a suitable pulling tool such as an overshot (not shown) is loweredintothe well and the upper end of the mandrel is'grasped thereby. An upward .movement of the overshot will thus remove the mandrel and its associate parts from the well casing. It is apparent that this form ofthe invention is substantiatllyidentical with `the'other formwith the exception that the pin and slot` connection is eliminated. 1 i the formsl of the invention hereinbefore described, the welltubing kstring is removable independently of the packer assembly. However, .in some instances, it might not Y be necessary to provide for removal of the tubing string separately or independently from the packer assembly and, in such,Y case, the construction shown in .Figures 15 tor22 may be employed. In thismodiflcation of the invention, a packerass'ernbly B v which rvis similar in construction .to the packer tion of-thecasingabove the assembly may be 1 performed as the first circulating stepand after Y this vkportion of the casing is unloaded, the tubingV is then moved downwardly through the packer f assembly until'the 'by-pass ports 58 are below the packing cups |28. Irf necessary, a continued circulation may be effected to unload any uid which may -be standing inthe casing `below thepacker assembly. Thus, itwill be seen vthat the 'circulation-to unload the well may be-performed in two 3 steps, rather than inV a single'operation as has been described.A It may be desirable in running I the apparatus into'the wellto employ a tubing catcher (not shown, which catcher would preferably be mounted in the tubing tringl below the packer assembly. For example, the catcher couldV -be connected between the lower ends of the inner and Youter conductors 55 and 5Bgand1the sub B0.

If desired, the tubing catcher could-be'locatedrin the tubing T above the sub 52. The provision of such a tubing catcherwould prevent the tubing Y carrier |2 is illustrated as having connection with "the mandrel I0 through the pin 24 and slot 23.

It is pointed out V'that' this Yslot and Ipin connection Amay be eliminated and, in Figure 14, such a i construction is shown. In thisform, the exterior Vscribedfand illustrated in Figures 1 to 13, .the 4slip p.

surface of the upper end of the mandrel Iltis free fr om the screw Vthreads I9 as the collar I8 is elmnnated. The sub 52a is substituted for the Vassembly .A' is employed. VThe packer assembly B is not provided with the left-hand screw Y threads 5| `at the upperV end of its mandrel; vneither is the assembly B provided with the spacing sleeve Il) and the valve M at itsvv lower end. In place of the sleeve 40, a. tubular nipple 1n is threaded into the lower en`d of the mandrel belo w the inner sealing zcupsr. yThis, nipple is provided with a plurality of inclined lby-pass ports 1|, which are com-parable to the by-pass ports 58 .inV the first form. lA pair of dasrnetrically opposed,`angular recesses '|43` are formed at the lowerendofthe nipple, as is clearlyY shown in Figulelg. F' l Therlower end of the well tubing T is connected by means of a coupling'collar 14 withan elongate tubular conductor 15. 'Iheuppei` portion of theconductor 15lms its external diameter. enlarged asshown at 16 Vand this diameter yis substantially equal to the internal diameter of the inner packing cups |28.. Below the enlarged vportion 1.8,V the conductor *15.is'reducedin diameter at 11, wherebyv the outer surfaceof this portion is spaced fronithe wall off the bore such spacing providing an vannular y y-pass 18 when the parts are in the position shown in kFigures'15 and21. .The lowerendof the conductor 15vhas a coupling collar( 19 connected thereto and this collar is formed with outwardly extending.

lugs 80 which are adaptedv to -coact with the anguiar recesses 13 in the nipplev'll! -to eiect'a. connection-of the tubing with the packer assembly.

kBelow the-collar 19, a conductor 8| is provided f and this `conductor has the sub 60 connected to its lower end; The closure orrvalve plunger 62 is normally seated within/the lsubV 80 and below said sub a perforated section of pipe. isfprovided and this section may have the transverse supporting. pin 6i disposed Aat itslower end.` In the-operationy of this form of the invention,'the couplingY collar.` 1,9 is coupled tov the nipple 'Il at the lower end of the packerass'embly by the engagement of the lugs I mithin the lateral or horizontalportions of thel recesses 13.

eral portion of the angular slot 23.

After vthe assembly is lowered to the proper position, the tubingTis rotated to move-the lugs 80 into alinement with the vertical portions of the recesses Y13 and then to impart a rotation to the mandrel through the coupling elements 19 and 10,'whereby' ythe pin 24 .on the mandrel is moved into alinement with the vertical portion of the slot 23'ln the slip carrier I2; Afterthis is done, an upward movement of the tubing `-and mandrel will result in a ,setting of the slips, as has been explained. After the slips' are set, pump pressure may be applied to the. upper end of the tubing or to the upper end of the casing Yto set up a circulation which will resultln an unloading of the 'mud or other. fluidV within the well casing C. This circulationis .permitted through the by-pass ports. 1| andthe annular flow. passages. 18.

When the unloading of the Iwell is complete, the tubing T is moved downwardly with relation to the packer assembly B,` such movement being possible since the lugs Ullihave been .alined with the vertical portions of the recesses 13. i The tubing is moved downwardly tothe position'rshown in Figure 22, whereby the enlarged portion k10 of the'. conductor 15 vis moved into engagement with theinner packingcups IRI.: SuchengagementV of the packing cups with the enlarged portion 16 serves to seal Yoi! `thespace between the exterior of the'tubing string and the bore ofthe 'mandreL whereby the ivy-pass through the packer lassembly is closed. Thusjthe production of vthe well iluidmay occur in the same maner as has been described with reference tothe first form, that is, upwardly through the Vtubing or productionstring T.Y

When it is desiredY to remove. therl apparatus from the well casing, it is only necessary to2 raise the tubing so as torecouple the collar 19 with the nipple 1|). When thisV is done, rthe mandrel I0 may be moved downwardly so as to move the Y out departing from the pin u thereon into the horizontal portionrof the o slot 23.1n the slip carrier l2.; vIn suchposition, the slips 2| are retractedand the entire device may be removed from the well casing. This form of the invention operates in substantiallyrthe same manner as has been described with reference to the forms shown in Figures 1 to 13, the only difference being that the tubing string is not removable'independently of the packer assembly.

The foregoing description `of the invention is explanatory thereof andvarious changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, with- 1. A wou pocker .apparatus including, o poorer 1 yhaving means for anchoringfitrin'a'well, awell tubing member extending through and detachably connected to the packerv and movable longitudinally relative to the-packer when the packer is anchored Jand the -tubingmemberis-detached therefrom, thefpacker having ya uid bypass therethrough exteriorly of the bore'of theftub-v ing member open when the, tubing member isatward vflow of fluid therethrough adapted to be opened when the apparatus is loweredto a predetermined position ina well. I y g 3. A well packer apparatus as set forth inclaim 1, -wherein thepajcker anchoring means is detachably connectedwithrthe packer and ,may tbe v set when detached; said anchoring means-.being retractable when! detached to permit upward withdrawal of the packer.V .e l, f. 4. A well packer apparatus including, a Apacker having means for anchoring Vit in a well and provided with a fluid @by-pass passage therethrough, a tubing member extending through the packer passage and detachalily .connected tothe packer, I;V the Iby-pass passage .beingrvopen when thetubf" -ing member is attached Ato thepacker, an enlarged portion on the tubing member positioned to enter the byrpass passageewhenA thet member is detached from the packer andmoved1ongitu dinally, and means in the. passage ofthe packer engagedy by and ycoacting with theY enlarged por# tion of the twbingmemberq-when the latter is -A I* moved into saidgpassage toshutoifuid flow` through said passage, l. v i i,

5.. A well apparatus includinga tubular packer provided with `a passage therethrough and ,hav

ing means.fon-anchoring.` it in awel1, packing Vex.` posed in the passage of the packer, a tubing mem- 'g ber initially extendinggthrough the packer and 1 detachably .connected therewithf or relatlveyindependent longitudinal; movement when detached therefrom; gthe tubing member,v having a iluidbyy pass portion openwhen the tubular mem-herria connected to thepacker to by-pass Vfluid, around the packer and also having another portion engaging with the' exposed,packing4 within the packerwhen the tubing member is detached from and moved ,longitudinallyof thepacker to close oil the by-pass portion to upwardowof uid from -Fbelow the packer, said tubing memberf'also having a fluid ilow opening atits lower end portion. f 6.

below said flow opening, and aA valvermovable in the tubing member between said seat"'and said support adapted to respond to upward fluid pressure and engage said seat and to fall to Vsaid support when fluid pressure is relieved.

7. A well apparatus including, a packer having means for anchoring it in a well, a well tube spirit for .the .mvetil Y 'What we claim and desire toseeureby-Letters v.

The combination set forth Vin'claim lfx-with-V an internal valve seatin the tubing member-above the fluid i'low opening thereof, al valve support ing member adapted to be connectedv to a" well` tubing and extending Vthrough and detachably connected with the packer, said memberbeing Y movable longitudinally through the packer when detached therefrom,V the tubingY member having -a lfluidV by-pass portion' extending through the packer to by-pass fluid around the packer when the.J tubing memberA is 'attached thereto; and

means carried bythe packer' and coacting andl engaginglwith the tubing vmember for shutting olI-.the by-pass through ,the packer when Ythe tubing isfdetached from and moved longitudinal ly of the Ypacker a predetermined distance while the packer is anchoredathe weight ofthe tubing -member Vand the tubing being taken on' the anchored packer when the tubing member is dei, tached-therefrom. Y 'i' n 8.- Afwell apparatus including, a tubular packer portin'gsaid fpacker'within the well, a Welltubing string movaible longitudinally through the packer, said tubing string extending throu-gh the packerfnd having an inlet in its 'lower portion in communication with the 'well bore below the packer, and a'conductor surrounding the lower portioniof the tubing above the inlet and extending-through the packer and engaged by the inner elastic sealing Y,element whichepacks off therearound, the space between the conductor and tubing forming a by`passpassage through the packer, meanslestablishing communication between the lby-pass passage and the well'bore above .the?'packer, the conductor having an opening,

therein for establishingV communicationbetween the by-pass passage and-the Well lbore below'the packer"when-said opening is below the'inner sealing element; whereby uid may by-pass the packer, upward movement'of the tubing and Y, conductor relative `to the packer-moving the said l opening above saidsealing element to close the Y l rbypasrs and prevent flow therethrough.

`9. A WeIPapparatus includingfa packer proi vided with a` passage therethrough andhaving means forl anchoring it in a'well, a packing exposed in the passa'g'e'ofY the packer, and a.V tubing member slidable longitudinallyvthrough the packer passage andthe packing thereof, said tub- Aing member having a longitudinal bore for the now of uid therethrough and a flow opening at itslower end, said tubingV member valso having a separate longitudinal uid passage exterior of the bore provided with now openings at each end exteriorof 'thezborefthe member fbeing packed oil.

`tudinally to position both of its passage openings above the. packing.

I10.A Ywell apparatus as set :forth in claim'9,

1 with a-Vvalve seat in the-bore of the tubingL member above the fluid opening of said bore, anda memIber engaging said` seat. 11;. YA vwellpackerassentbly including, a packer i by the packing and movable longitudinally toY g positionit's fluid passage openingsV above andbe'-V ,low the' packing and also being Vmovablelongigravity actuated valve movablecin the bore of the Y passage. Y

'InV

the-,packer, .meanslproviding a by-passbetween the tubing member and thepacker for the passage of uid around/the latter, ,andymeans carried by the packer and coacting Vwith, the tubing member means, and said-tulbingbeing entirely removable from the packer.

12. A wellpacker apparatus including, a pacc-er.

bodyV havingY a uid passage therethrough, re,- Ytracta'ble anchoring means mounted on the packer body, uid responsive packing mounted externally on-the; packer body, a tubing member extending through :the packer. body, said packerbody and saidctubing member beingV formed to provide' a fluidiby-pass therebetween, means for detachably connecting Ythe tubing memlber with the packer, whereby the `by-'pass passage is initially held openl and 'means carried by the packer'and the tubing member coacting to close off the bypass passage when-the tubing member is'detached from the packer and .moved longitudinally thereof, lthe tubing member being also :further movable longitudinally with respeetto'the packer ,when the byepass' passage is closed.v

13, VA well packer: apparatus including, aV packer bodylhaving a jpassage therethrough, Aexternal packing .on the-body, a slip expanding portion on the body a s1ip carrier ,on the ibody vhaving slips engaging the expanding .portion thereof, a tubingmember adapted to be connected with a tubing string and extendingthrough thebody, means for Ydetachably connecting the tubing memberv to the packer, whereby the tubing member may be moved longitudinallyin, thepacker# body passage when detached fromsald body, the tubing member having a iluid'byrpass-portion open`to-the exterior of the memrber ateach end and positioned to 'by-pass uid relatively through the packer body when said member is `attached Yto said body, and packing means in the passage of the body coacting with the tubingimember to close the by-passportion to iluid flow when said memberis detached and moved longitudinally 14. `A well packer'apparatus'including, a packer member, anchoring means mounted'on the packer member; packing mounted externally 'on ythe packer member, atubing member extending through the packer member, said packer memfber being formed to provide a fluid by-pass passage V,externally of the tulbin'gmember, means for detachably connecting the tubing member and the packer member whereby said Vby-pass-passage is open :when said members are connected together, and means'carried by one of said members and engageable with the other of said members to close said 'by-pass passage when said memdetermined distancev with respectto veach other raftergtlie by-'pass passage is closed,'wit`hout af,

.greeting the last-namedccondition ofthe by-pass Y ImaanR'rYofo'rr'svr JOHN o. LUcooUs. 

